The Greater Dandenong region has once again affirmed its reputation as the manufacturing heart of Victoria, with nine local businesses and individuals earning nominations in the prestigious 2025 Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards.
The annual event celebrates excellence, innovation, and leadership in Victoria’s manufacturing sector, an industry that contributes billions to the state economy and employs hundreds of thousands across diverse sectors.
This year, Greater Dandenong stands out with an impressive cohort of nominees representing the region’s rich industrial diversity, from pharmaceuticals and transport to advanced casting and sustainable building systems.
Manager, New projects, Business Development & EHS - Manufacturing at Nissan Australia, Angus Robins said, “I am extremely proud that the Nissan Casting Australia Plant (NCAP) has been recognised as a leader in manufacturing by the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards.
Much like the City of Greater Dandenong, NCAP maintains a culturally diverse and inclusive workforce, enabling us to engage effectively with a broad range of clients, communities, and markets both locally and globally.”
The nominees from Greater Dandenong include:
- A.W. Bell (Dandenong South) – A leader in precision casting, A.W. Bell continues to push boundaries in engineering and materials technology, serving sectors from aerospace to defence.
- Alstom (Dandenong South) – The global rail giant’s local operations have been recognised for their advanced manufacturing processes and commitment to clean, sustainable transport solutions.
- Felipe Pereira Cabral – Uneek Bending (Dandenong South) – A standout individual nominee, Cabral’s work in tube bending and complex metal fabrication showcases innovation and hands-on leadership in custom manufacturing.
- Jane Oppenheim – Ego Pharmaceuticals (Dandenong South) – As a scientific and strategic leader at one of Australia’s top skincare manufacturers, Oppenheim’s contribution to local manufacturing and R&D has earned her individual honours.
- Nissan Casting Australia Plant (Mulgrave, Dandenong) – This long-standing operation continues to set benchmarks in high-quality aluminium casting for global automotive markets.
- Rita Palomba – Alstom (Dandenong South) – Recognised for her influential role in project management and manufacturing leadership at Alstom, Palomba represents the region’s growing base of women in manufacturing leadership.
- Timber Building Systems (Dandenong South) – An emerging force in prefabricated timber construction, the company has been nominated for its sustainable building practices and contribution to modern construction methods.
- Uneek Bending (Dandenong South) – Known for its precision metal forming and engineering solutions, Uneek Bending continues to serve defence, transport, and infrastructure sectors with distinction.
- Volgren (Dandenong South) – Australia’s largest bus body manufacturer, Volgren’s commitment to local jobs, advanced design, and zero-emission vehicles secures its place among this year’s top contenders.
The winners of the 2025 Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards will be announced at a gala ceremony in Melbourne on 9 October 2025.
For more information visit Business Victoria website.
